To migrate from Vista to Windows 8.1 , it will have you perform the same operations as we have seen in Windows XP. Indeed, it is not possible to switch easily from one OS to another, it is imperative to reinstall everything and take care in advance to save all the precious data. Please have therefore an external storage device (USB key or hard drive, or why not, one or more blank DVDs) and follow the recommendations below. Everything should be fine, and you should put away all your documents and settings, without loss of essential information, do not worry.
Q: what to do I start?
A: The easiest step is to save all your personal documents directly to an external hard disk to find them once Windows 8.1 installed. Open Explorer (press [CTRL] + [E]) and select all elements Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Contacts and Favorites. Copy them to an external device such as a USB drive, a big stick or an optical disk (DVD or Blu-Ray). This is your main data already available at the shelter. Once Windows 8.1 installed, you can simply copy them from the external medium to the same elements Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc. (it is not, strictly speaking, records, but rather shortcuts).
Q: What should I do to shelter my preferences and my Chrome history?
R: in Chrome, the operation is very simple in Vista: the browser has indeed a tool for automatic synchronization between different devices and different versions of an operating system. It is simply to create a free Google account, and identify Windows Vista. Therefore, when you install Chrome on Windows 8.1, and identifying you again, you will get all your history and your preferences. To do this, simply go to the address chrome :/ / settings / syncSetup from your browser.
Q: If I use Firefox, then I also get my settings?
A: Firefox, it is recommended to use a third party program that will allow you to actually record everything. His name? MozBackup . Download and install the application in question, and then open it. Choose Backup features a profile> Mozilla Firefox (fr), and press the Next button. Then go on the Browse button and specify a destination folder. There must be a file that is not on C:. Then choose a directory on a disk or external USB drive. Press twice on the Next button, and voila. Finally, if you use Thunderbird for email, repeat the same operation, but this time choose the Backup function profile> Thunderbird (en).
Q: but with Internet Explorer, I can save my data?
A: Microsoft IE, same thing in Mozilla Thunderbird: although it is possible to save your favorites, for more opportunities, you will need to use a small additional backup software. Do not worry, it is very easy to use. Download and install the application BackRex Internet Explorer Backup . Upon opening the program in question, press the Next button and make sure that the Backup function is selected.Press Next and then press the Browse button function. Select a destination folder in which all your preferences, your history and favorites will be saved. Once Windows 8.1 set up, it will then be sufficient to use the same software (BackRex Internet Explorer Backup) to restore all your IE settings.
Q: I lose all my emails when migrating to Windows 8.1?
A: No, do not worry: it is quite possible to save all your messages in Vista, as well as your account settings, so you can find in Windows 8.1. If you use Thunderbird, use MozBackup, as we have seen a little higher. In Outlook, everything is planned. Simply go to the File tab and select Options functions, Advanced Options, and then Export. Then go on the Export data to a file, then select Outlook Data File (. Pst). Save everything on an external drive. And you can put away your old messages, contacts, calendar, etc.. Note that this option is also available in all other mail clients Microsoft (Expess Outlook, Windows Mail, etc..). Once you have installed Windows 8.1 and Outlook, you only have to use the Import function and specify the external drive as a source directory.
Q: I am ready to implement Windows 8.1?
A: Yes, once all your data and email accounts saved, it'll just set up Windows 8.1. A final step is to create a disc or a startup key, if you do not have a DVD version of the OS and you just downloaded. To do this, get the free application tool USB / DVD Download Windows 7 . Install and run it. Head to the Browse button and select the file containing large install Windows 8.1 (it must have an extension. ISO). Select the USB drive on which you want to save Windows 8.1 and which serves to restart the PC. For the 64-bit edition OS, you need a key of at least 8 GB, 4 GB device is not sufficient once formatted. For 32-bit Windows version 8.1, however, a key 4 GB is sufficient.
Q: how to restart my PC with the USB?
A: you have created a boot USB key or simply do appeal to classical DVD of Windows 8.1, you must now start your PC from the same storage media. To do this, restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI (F2 or Delete from power). Look for the function to manage the order of boot devices, and place the USB key or DVD first. Restart your PC: Windows 8.1 installation can begin.
